The world will be watching as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain collide in the Club World Cup semifinal, a clash steeped in history, rivalry, and emotional returns. Yet, while much of the attention centers on Kylian Mbappe’s reunion with his former club, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has already set the tone with a firm message — one aimed at his own superstar.
Kylian Mbappe spent seven seasons with PSG, winning multiple domestic titles and most recently helping the Parisian club capture their first-ever UEFA Champions League crown. But this summer, he turned the page, signing with Real Madrid in one of the most monumental transfers in soccer history.
Now, just months later, fate has written the script: The France captain is poised to face his old teammates on the global stage at MetLife Stadium in New York. But as the stakes rise, Alonso has reminded everyone — including his new talisman — that no player is above the collective vision of this Real Madrid side.
The 26-year-old’s journey through the Club World Cup has been anything but smooth. A sudden bout of gastroenteritis forced him to miss all three group stage matches, including a hospital stay and a significant drop in weight. Though medically cleared just in time for the quarterfinal, Mbappe only featured as a substitute against Borussia Dortmund — yet still managed to score, helping Madrid to a 3-2 win.
Alonso, however, is not rushing his return. “We have different alternatives and we need everyone to be involved in all the phases,” he told DAZN. “We are trying to prepare well and nothing special – we have an opponent that is going to demand a lot from us.”
The rise of Gonzalo Garcia
Mbappe’s delayed debut opened the door for 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia, and the youngster seized the moment. With four goals in three matches, he’s become the co-top scorer of the tournament and a breakout sensation in Madrid’s frontline. His energy, tactical discipline, and pressing have not only inspired the team — they’ve made Alonso reconsider his plans.
“Everyone has their own way of working and I try to have my own,” the Spanish boss stated. “But if the players don’t have it, it’s no use. We all have to be aligned and say this is what we want and we are going to go for it.”
Alonso’s warning: No exceptions — Not even for Mbappe
In the buildup to the semifinal, Alonso reportedly delivered a clear five-word message to his most famous player: “I’ve seen him with desire”, before adding, “I’ve seen him well”. But those words carried more weight than they seemed. According to Defensa Central, the former midfielder has made it known: Mbappe must defend, press, and work like everyone else. “He wants him to be a leader not only with goals, but with attitude,” the report claims. “He hasn’t hesitated to tell him so.”
